You have probably heard building safety experts talk a lot about how this field has a shortage of qualified workers. And while that has nothing to do with a lack of interest or commitment among those already working in the industry, it exposes the amazing opportunities you can take advantage of.
Still, you must deliver top-quality outcomes to excel in this field, and this requires you to develop specific habits and skills. If you've been looking to build a respected career in this profession, here are some tips that will set you apart.
1. Become an Expert at Reading Construction Intent
A commonly overlooked skill that successful inspectors have is the unique ability to interpret what the structure designer intended to build. Many inspection challenges arise when drawings, specifications, permits, and field conditions fail to align.
To be successful in this field, it will be important that you always compare approved plans, site conditions, contractor changes, material substitutions, manufacturer installation instructions, and other important elements.
You can learn more about these elements by taking a top-quality building inspector certification course from a renowned provider like RocketCert. Finding these inconsistencies before they create larger problems isn't just about saving thousands of dollars for the developers, but also about protecting future occupants.
2. Understand Why Buildings Fail
It's not uncommon for aspiring inspectors to spend countless hours studying regulations. And while that's an important thing to do, it's not everything you need to succeed in this field. To be outstanding, you must go a step further and try to understand why those regulations exist. That's because codes are typically written after incidents, accidents, or even near misses prompt their establishment.
So, it's advisable to spend enough time studying important incidents like structural failures, water intrusion, and roof collapses. The more you understand the science behind each failure, the easier it will be to spot early warning signs. Additionally, this approach helps a lot when dealing with unusual situations that don't match textbook examples.
3. Expand Your Experience Across Construction Trades
Many building inspectors try to specialise too soon, thinking that they have gained enough experience. But this approach means your experience across different construction trades will be too narrow. Instead of rushing your specialisation journey, it's a good idea to expose yourself to different trades in construction, including carpentry, plumbing, concrete work, electrical installations, and others.
The more systems you understand, the clearer it becomes to you how one trade affects the other. A plumbing installation, for instance, can easily influence structural framing or fire stopping requirements. Understanding how the trades are interconnected will not only make it easier for you to choose the path you are genuinely interested in. It also makes you more valuable to the many employers who value inspectors with practical trade experience.
4. Refine Your Communication Skills
The one thing that matters, yet not all inspectors understand it clearly, is that you will often find yourself in uncomfortable conversations. This happens commonly as a result of contractors disagreeing with findings, property owners becoming frustrated, or even developers facing costly delays.
Successful inspectors have mastered how to remain calm even in the most unfamiliar or unpleasant situations. In many cases, this means you have to be calm enough to be able to explain what needs correction in a way that doesn't sound confrontational. That's a vital skill, because many stakeholders will always remember how you handle difficult discussions.
5. Don't Underestimate the Importance of Technology
Inspection technology keeps evolving, and more professionals have switched to using tools like inspection meters, thermal imaging cameras, drones for roof inspections, and so on. These tools may look like they are fancy gadgets for making your work look more appealing, but in reality, they do a lot more.
They boost the accuracy of your inspections and make your work easier. Of course, even the most sophisticated technology should never replace careful observation. So, even as you get new tools for your tech arsenal, make sure to invest in the solutions that help you boost your professional judgement.
Ready to Get Started?
After reading this post, you know that it's very possible to build a rewarding building inspection career. And with the right moves, you will not just be building a strong foundation for stable employment. You'll also enjoy the opportunity to protect lives and contribute to safer communities over a very long time.
But since you can't practise what you don't know, you definitely should check out RocketCert's pre-licensing and continuing education courses for building inspectors. So, head over to rocketcert.com today to see what they offer and get started on a journey of success.